[margin] To be sent to Eleanor, it was written to her Pa when he was

 

                                                                                                Morris Island S.C.

                                                                                                            Apr. 9^th 1865

 

Dear Br. Bunnell,

                                    I take my pen to write to write to you for the first time. Although the distance of a thousand miles separates us, yet we may be united in spirit as brethren in christ as fellow heirs of the same inheritance, members of the household of faith.

 

            “There is a scene where spirits blend.

            And friend holds fellowship with friend.

            Though sundered far by faith they meet,

            Around one common mercy seat.”

 

Glory to God the mercy seat is accessible through the infinite merits of the ever blessed Jesus. Through him we have access to the Father. Through him receive the forgiveness of sin. Through his blood, as of a healing and life giving fountain we may be cleansed from all our moral pollutions. Through his strength imparted by faith, we may live above the world, overcome our spiritual foes, triumph in death, and at last be brought safe home to glory. Let us trust such a Savior, embrace such a religion, practice it in our lives, and experience it in our hearts. /

 

I was inquiring of Paul Overfield the other day if he had any late communications from the North. He said he had received a letter from you in which you inquired particularly after my welfare &c. I thank you for your kind remembrance of me, and I remember you also in my reflections and prayers. I would exceedingly like to visit you all again up there in Auburn, and I intend so to do one of these days, God sparing my life.

 

            Probably ere this you have heard that I am in the Post Office here on Morris Island. I have been here a little more than a month. Also I have, through recommendation of our Regimental Officers, a Commission as Chaplain of the 52^nd P.V. A small point of law remains to be answered before I can obtain the position. I await return mail from the north, which alone can answer this point of law.

 

            All is quiet at present on Morris Island. There was a report a few days ago that our fleet was to sail into Charleston Harbor, for the 7^th of April, but the 7^th has passed and the fleet has not made a movement so I think the rumor was without foundation. The high tides have been a matter of curiosity at least to me of late. / These come in upon upon us here, but God has set bounds to the restless sea, and said to the raging waves, thus far shalt thou come and no farther, here let thy proud waves be staid. However the billows in their fury seem somewhat to break over the bounds which nature has set. Morris Island is part wearing away and the last high tides have nearly submerged her. When I came into the Post Office March 4^th I was some a dozen or fifteen yards from the beach, now I am scarcely five.

 

            We have religious meetings here and we can attend the worship of God when our duties will permit us to do so. Since I came into the office I have been so confined that I cannot meeting evenings as much as I desire, but on Sunday I have usually spoken once, and sometimes twice. I love to preach the gospel yet, Praise the Lord O my soul, I love God, and I love the word of God, and the people of God, which are called Christians.

 

            Give my christian regards to all inquiring friends. Remember to Br. Cogswell’s, and Kellogg’s, and Russell’s people. Remember me to the children, and Sister Bunnell.

 

            Will you Please write to me as soon as / you receive this. I anticipate strongly of meeting you once more upon the shores of time if the will of God be so, but at all events if faithful hope to greet you upon the other shore. O how blessed that will be to meet Christian friends in glory. May this be our lot is my earnest prayer.

 

            Dont fail to write, and

            Oblige             Yours very truly

                                                W H Gavit

T.A. Bunnell.

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